Discover the secrets of the hidden castle

Joseph Keith

A special training day will help people discover the secrets of Wakefield’s hidden castle.

Experts will talk about the history of Wakefield Castle and give basic archaeology training at an event in Clarence Park on Friday.

The training is part of a project, run by volunteer group Friends of Clarence, Holmfield and Thornes Parks (CHaT Parks), to determine whether remains of the 12th century castle are buried beneath the earth.

After completing the training course, people will have the opportunity to work as guides for visitors to the site during the later stages of the project.

CHaT Parks chairman Ian Deighton said: “It’s a chance to find out more about the castle and the work we are doing. It is not often you get an opportunity to find out more about history and archaeology in your local park.”

Knowledge of the castle or archaeology is not required for the course.

It will be held between 10am and 4pm on Friday.

The training costs £15 but concessions can be given.

The group plans to host more training courses throughout the year if there is enough interest.

Archaeologists from West Yorkshire Archaeology Service carried out geophysical surveys of the land, using specialist equipment, last month.

The group has been given £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to involve schools and volunteers with the project.

If the survey was successful archaeologists could apply to excavate the site.

The project will be filmed by Wakefield film company One to One Productions.

For more information or to book a place contact Christine Sharman on 01924 781637 or csharman@wea.org.uk.